The Commissioner surveyed the severed infrastructure conduits sticking out of my destroyed bridge foundation.
Her expression shifted from professional concern to absolute horror.
“Mrs. Whitman,” the Commissioner shouted across the creek. “Do you understand that emergency utility rerouting will require environmental impact studies, historical preservation reviews, and creek diversion permits?”
Marjorie’s voice cracked. “How long?”
“Eighteen months of regulatory approvals. Minimum. Emergency temporary service alone will cost roughly $400,000, assuming no legal challenges.”
I watched Marjorie’s brain calculate the math of her own destruction.
Her Phase 2 development contracts required completion within 90 days.
Her entire multi-million dollar real estate empire had just drowned in Willow Creek.
Three days later, the county held an emergency Town Hall meeting.
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